WHO declares Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda international emergency

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The Director-General made the determination on 17 May 2026, pursuant to Article 12 of the International Health Regulations (2005), after consulting with the leadership of both nations. While the event poses a risk of international spread and requires a coordinated global response, the Director-General noted that it does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.

The outbreak is centred in Ituri Province, where health authorities have reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths across at least three health zones: Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. The situation is complicated by significant uncertainties regarding the true number of infected persons and the geographic spread of the virus. Unusual clusters of community deaths with symptoms compatible with the Bundibugyo virus have been reported, alongside limited understanding of the epidemiological links between known and suspected cases.

International spread has already been documented, with two laboratory-confirmed cases reported in Kampala, Uganda, on 15 and 16 May 2026. These individuals, who had no apparent link to each other, had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both were admitted to intensive care units in Kampala. Additionally, a case reported in Kinshasa, involving an individual returning from Ituri, tested negative for the virus on confirmatory testing by the National Institute of Biomedical Research and is not considered a confirmed case.

A major concern driving the emergency declaration is the risk of healthcare-associated transmission. At least four deaths among healthcare workers have been reported in the affected area, raising serious concerns regarding gaps in infection prevention and control measures. These incidents highlight the potential for amplification within health facilities and the urgent need to strengthen safety protocols for staff and patients.

The Director-General expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda for their commitment to bringing the event under control and for their frankness in assessing the risk posed to other states. Neighbouring countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo are considered at high risk for further spread due to population mobility, trade, and travel linkages. To address these challenges, the WHO will convene an Emergency Committee to advise on temporary recommendations for states parties to respond to the event.